ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s interior minister Rana Sanaullah asked former prime minister Imran Khan on Friday to postpone an anti-government rally in Rawalpindi, saying that intelligence agencies had warned him about militant attack on the public gathering.
Khan, who was ousted from power in a parliamentary no-trust vote in April, launched a protest march to the federal capital last month to seek early elections in the country. However, his motorized caravan came under attack by a gunman who killed one man and injured Khan along with ten other party workers.
Khan urged his supporters to gather in Rawalpindi on Saturday to secure “real freedom” for the country in a video clip circulated on Thursday.
“All intelligence agencies have issued a red alert related to this rally and informed the government that it can benefit any terrorist or terrorist group,” the interior minister said while asking the former prime minister to postpone the “pointless gathering.”
He added Khan was “facing threats to his life.”
Sanaullah maintained people with “evil designs” could target such political rallies, especially when they were announced in advance.
“We have issued an advisory from the government’s side [to highlight the threat],” he continued.
The interior minister said he had also communicated the threat to senior police and other administrative officials in Punjab province where the rally is scheduled to be held.
Earlier in the day, the provincial government said they had made arrangements to provide “foolproof” security to Khan and his protest rally.
The former prime minister’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has also set up a “tent city” in Rawalpindi to facilitate supporters with accommodation, food and other amenities.
“We will be ensuring foolproof security for Imran Khan and all his supporters, and law enforcement agencies have already been working on it,” Omar Sarfraz Cheema, advisor to Punjab chief minister on home affairs, told Arab News. “We will be deploying all available resources and taking all security measures which are humanly possible to keep the event secure and peaceful.”
Cheema criticized local administration in Islamabad for not allowing Khan’s helicopter to land in the capital’s Parade Ground, which is adjacent to Rawalpindi.
“It is unfortunate the Islamabad administration is playing politics, knowing that Khan faces serious security threats,” he maintained, adding that alternate arrangements would be made for Khan’s helicopter.
The ex-premier plans to fly from Lahore to the protest site in Rawalpindi to address the gathering and share his next plan of action.
“It’s Khan’s prerogative whether to disperse after the gathering or turn it into a sit-in,” Cheema continued.
Caravans of Khan’s supporters from across the country would start reaching Rawalpindi Friday night where the Punjab provincial government has beefed up security around the tent city.
The Rawalpindi administration has granted conditional permission to the PTI for the rally in the garrison city, asking it to vacate the protest site on the night of November 26 in view of expected arrival of the England cricket team on November 27.
The Islamabad police have said that all entry and exit points of Faizabad, a key junction between the federal capital and Rawalpindi, have been closed for traffic.
Diversions have been placed at Faizabad for traffic on Murree Road, the Islamabad police said, adding residents could use Old Airport Road and Stadium Road to enter Rawalpindi from Islamabad.
Khan, who has been agitating against the government of PM Shehbaz Sharif, says he was ousted and the incumbent government was “imposed” on the nation as part of a United States-backed foreign conspiracy as he was pursuing an independent foreign policy for Pakistan. Washington and Khan’s opponents deny this.
The former prime minister has been recovering at his Lahore home since sustaining gunshot wounds and has previously addressed supporters through a video link.
Pakistan’s interior minister asks ex-PM Khan to postpone Rawalpindi rally, cites militant threat
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Pakistan’s interior minister asks ex-PM Khan to postpone Rawalpindi rally, cites militant threat
- Rana Sanaullah says Imran Khan faces threats to his life while asking him to end his ‘pointless’ protest march
- The Punjab administration has assured ‘foolproof’ security for the former prime minister’s rally on Saturday
Libya boat tragedy: Pakistan’s FIA issues Interpol red notices to 20 human traffickers
- Around 262 Pakistanis drowned when overcrowded vessel sank off Greec coastal town of Pylos
- State media says Pakistan arrested 144 people, among them 16 lawyers, in connection to boat tragedy
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has issued red notices through Interpol for 20 foreign-based human traffickers involved in the 2023 Libyan boat tragedy that claimed the lives of over 260 Pakistanis, state media said on Thursday.
Hundreds of migrants, including 262 Pakistanis, drowned when an overcrowded vessel traveling from Libya capsized and sank in international waters off the southwestern Greek coastal town of Pylos. It was one of the deadliest boat disasters ever recorded in the Mediterranean Sea.
Following the tragedy, the issue of illegal immigration to Europe gained significant attention in Pakistan, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordering “intensified efforts” against human traffickers.
The incident highlighted the perilous journeys many migrants undertake, often driven by economic hardship, as young individuals seek better financial prospects by attempting dangerous crossings to Europe.
“The red notices were issued through Interpol for 20 foreign-based traffickers,” the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. “FIA said the arrests of these agents were initiated with the assistance of global law enforcement agencies.”
It added that FIA had also begun blocking identity cards and bank accounts linked to human trafficking facilitators involved in the Libyan boat accident.
The state media said that at least 144 people, among them 16 lawyers, were arrested by the FIA in connection with the boat tragedy. The FIA said it has registered 197 cases and blacklisted the passports of 55 others involved in the incident.
APP said DG FIA Ahmad Ishaq Jahangir directed officers deputed at the airport to ensure strict surveillance and prevent suspects from fleeing abroad.
Several Pakistanis, in a bid to escape economic hardships at home, often undertake these illegal and dangerous journeys to enter Europe. The latest incident involving Pakistani passengers took place last month, on Dec. 19, when Pakistan’s mission in Greece confirmed that five Pakistanis had been killed in a migrant boat tragedy off the Greek island of Gavdos.
Subsequently, on Dec. 27, Pakistani authorities arrested a woman along with two other human smugglers.
Pakistani prosthetics startup launches AI-powered limb factory in Gaza to aid amputees
- Established in 2016, BIONIKS says its mobile factory is equipped with AI tools to design limbs
- Company says its initiative is part of its belief that technology has the power to transform lives
KARACHI: BIONIKS, a Karachi-based startup specializing in orthotics and prosthetics, has launched a mobile AI-powered limb factory in Gaza to provide customized prosthetic arms and legs to amputees in the conflict-stricken region, the company announced in its newsletter on Wednesday.
The company, established in 2016, announced the initiative as part of its commitment to creating an inclusive world by leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform lives.
The mobile factory is equipped with advanced artificial intelligence tools to design and produce prosthetic limbs, enabling on-site assistance in underserved areas.
“We believe technology has the power to transform lives,” BIONIKS said in a statement. “By taking advanced prosthetic solutions directly to those in need, we aim to restore independence, mobility, and dignity to individuals affected by conflict and hardship.”
The initiative comes as Gaza grapples with a dire humanitarian crisis since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign in October 2023. BIONIKS said it hoped the factory would act as a lifeline for amputees by providing accessible and innovative solutions in regions where resources are limited.
BIONIKS gained international attention in 2021 when it provided a multi-grip bionic arm to four-year-old Mohammed Sideeq, making him the youngest recipient of such a prosthetic limb.
The startup’s co-founder, Anas Niaz, said designing the arm for a child so young was unprecedented.
“No one in the world has ever made a bionic arm for such a young age,” Niaz told Arab News in 2021. “We knew this was nearly impossible, but Mohammed had high hopes to get a bionic arm.”
The lightweight and durable arm allowed Sideeq to resume daily activities, including playing and buttoning his shirt, showcasing BIONIKS’ commitment to blending innovation with functionality.
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar denies diplomatic isolation claims, highlights Pakistan’s global presence
- Dar says government’s approach was to increase Pakistan’s diplomatic footprint in the region
- A flurry of visits by foreign dignitaries to strengthen business ties marked the last year in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday dismissed claims that Pakistan was diplomatically isolated, emphasizing that the country remained fully engaged on all international platforms last year.
Dar had promised to prioritize economic diplomacy to bolster Pakistan’s international standing and attract much-needed foreign investment after taking office last year. He highlighted the government’s active external engagements, marked by a flurry of visits from foreign dignitaries as Pakistan sought sustainable growth and investment in key economic sectors.
Efforts have focused on strengthening business and investment ties with regional allies, including Russia, Central Asian states and Gulf nations, as the country navigates economic recovery after a prolonged crisis.
“Faced with the unprecedented challenges at the national, regional and global levels, our consistent and successful approach was to improve our diplomatic footprint, especially in the region,” the deputy prime minister said while addressing a news conference.
“You witnessed that in the past year, the perception or reality [of diplomatic isolation] has vanished by the grace of God,” he added. “Today, Pakistan is fully activated [diplomatically].”
He also mentioned Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s visit to Pakistan last year, noting that all global issues were discussed during his meetings with Pakistani officials.
Dar spoke about the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who visited the country last year to strengthen bilateral ties with Pakistan amid surging tensions in the Middle East.
He recalled that Pakistan had been represented by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia last year, praising him for speaking openly against Israel for its war in Gaza.
Dar said Sharif’s visits to the Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan were aimed at promoting investment, adding that Pakistan expected about $29 billion in business and commerce from these countries.
The deputy prime minister noted that Pakistan was also active on the humanitarian front, pointing out it had sent 14 relief consignments to Gaza, nine to Lebanon and four to Syria in 2024.
Pakistan military pardons 19 convicted for May 9 riots ‘on humanitarian grounds’
- Last month, a military court sentenced 85 civilians to prison terms ranging from two to 10 years
- May 9 riots followed ex-PM Khan’s brief arrests and involved the targeting of military properties
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military on Thursday announced it had accepted the mercy petitions of 19 convicts involved in the May 9, 2023, violence, granting remission of their punishments “purely on humanitarian grounds,” according to an official statement.
Last month, a military court sentenced 85 civilians to prison terms ranging from two to ten years for their roles in the riots, during which supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan were accused of attacking military facilities.
The violence, sparked by Khan’s brief arrest in a corruption case, saw hundreds storming military and government installations, including the torching of a top commander’s house.
The trials, held under the Pakistan Army Act, included convictions of two former military officers, Brig. (retired) Javed Akram and Captain (retired) Viqas Ahmed Mohsin, as well as Khan’s nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi.
The military had initiated trials for over 100 individuals following the violence.
“A total of 67 convicts have given their mercy petitions,” the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in its statement. “48 petitions have been processed to Courts of Appeal, while petitions of 19 convicts have been accepted purely on humanitarian grounds, in accordance with the law.”
“Mercy petitions of the remaining will be decided in due course of time, following the legal process,” it added.
The military shared a list of the individuals whose petitions had been approved, adding that they would be released after completing procedural formalities.
The trials and convictions raised concerns that Khan himself could face prosecution under the Pakistan Army Act, with charges including treason and inciting mutiny in the military.
The former premier, jailed for over a year, has denied these allegations and multiple other charges, describing them as politically motivated attempts to sideline him from power.
Khan, however, faces accusations of orchestrating the May 9 riots, a claim he has consistently rejected. He remains imprisoned in a high-security facility in Rawalpindi.
“The remission of punishments is a testament to the strength of the due process and fairness, which ensures that justice is served while also taking into account the principles of compassion and mercy,” the ISPR said.
It also noted the military had released 20 convicts last year in April on humanitarian grounds and in accordance with law.
Pakistan telecom regulator partners with DeafTawk to improve accessibility at offices
- The initiative will help promote an inclusive society in Pakistan, home to over 10 million deaf people
- DeafTawk, a social enterprise founded in 2018, has app linking deaf users with qualified interpreters
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with DeafTawk, a social enterprise supporting deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, to provide sign language interpretation services at PTA offices, state-owned media reported on Thursday.
DeafTawk, founded in Pakistan, operates a globally available mobile application offering real-time sign-language solutions. The app connects deaf users with qualified interpreters to facilitate communication in various scenarios, such as medical consultations, education, transportation, and family interactions.
Users can download the app, subscribe, and access round-the-clock services, with group calls also supported. The service is currently available in Pakistan, Denmark, Singapore, and Puerto Rico.
“Through this partnership, DeafTawk will provide ‘DeafTawk Plus,’ enabling online sign language interpretation for deaf visitors at PTA offices,” Radio Pakistan said. “PTA will also integrate AI-powered text-to-sign and speech-to-sign tools into its digital platforms, with annual accessibility audits to ensure continuous improvement.”
“This groundbreaking initiative addresses communication challenges faced by over ten million deaf individuals in Pakistan, promoting an equitable and inclusive society,” it added.
DeafTawk was launched in 2018 by Wamiq Hassan, Pakistan’s first deaf software engineer and one of the app’s developers, who told Arab News in a 2022 interview he wanted to uplift the deaf community and make this world inclusive for all with the help of mobile technology.
Reflecting on his experience, Hassan emphasized the critical need for such solutions in a country where communication barriers for the hearing impaired remain prevalent.
“From my personal experience I know that deaf people face extreme communication barriers in Pakistan and there must be a solution to it,” he said. “So, we are trying to bridge this gap through this app.”
